Norwalk man arrested in connection with alleged heroin operation

LORAIN — The number of arrests involving the alleged heroin operation led by Wayne Norris of Elyria has reached 24.
Jeffrey Denger, 38, of Norwalk was arrested by Lorain police when he reported to the Vermilion Municipal Court probation department about 2 p.m. Aug. 7, Lorain police Capt. Roger Watkins said.
Denger was charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic heroin, a second-degree felony.
He was scheduled to meet with probation officer C. Michael Levelle for a review hearing stemming from a June 2014 conviction.
Watkins said Denger was “one of the lower level” people involved in Norris’ alleged dealings.
During a press conference Aug. 5, Elyria police Sgt. James Welsh said a “second wave of arrests” actively being conducted by law enforcement agencies across the county consists of individuals who purchased heroin from Norris and then sold it for a profit to support their own habits.
Welsh added that Norris and three of his alleged main suppliers were “undercutting the market” by dropping the price on their product by $50 a gram, causing an influx of users from across the county and its outskirts.
On June 17, Denger pleaded no contest to and was found guilty of attempted possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug abuse instruments.
He was sentenced to 30 days in jail with six months of probation following his release, according to court records.
Denger is currently being held in Lorain City Jail without bond. He was scheduled to appear in Lorain Municipal Court on Aug. 8.